Countdown to Kitschmas: Giving Back

One amazing last minute gift is a donation in someone's name, or finding a way to give back. Below is a list of causes that I support and some companies that give back when a purchase is made.

TARPS
Homepage

The Animal Rescue and Protection Society, Inc. is a non-profit corporation dedicated to effect positive change in the communities we serve, regarding the proper care and welfare of all animals, including those that are homeless, abandoned or rescued from abuse. Our objectives are to: operate a no kill shelter, rescue and care for stray and abandoned household pets, promote the importance of spaying/neutering, place animals with loving adoptive homes, educate the public in the proper care and nutrition of animals, and improve the lives of feral cats through education and action, which includes rehabilitation and humane Trap, Neuter, Release programs. [source]

TARPS has a special place in my heart because it's the shelter that I adopted my baby girls from and personally volunteered at. I paired up the cats with the adopters, was treasurer of the board, and helped keep things organized as well as some other various things! I can 100% say that I stand behind this shelter.

Lil BUB
Homepage

Hey, It's me, BUB. Thanks for checking out my store which has a bunch of cool stuff with my amazing face on it.
If you decide to buy something, I just wanted to let you know that a portion of the portion of the proceeds will be donated to these awesome organizations:
Pets Alive
The Exotic Feline Rescue Center
Monroe County Humane Association
[source]

Um, Lil BUB is my all time favorite internet famous cat. You can buy (yourself or someone else) an adorable BUB mug or calendar and know that a portion of the purchase will be going to a great cause! It's a total win-win.

Planned Parenthood
Homepage

Every dollar donated through December 31 will be matched up to $350,000!
Planned Parenthood believes in the fundamental right of each individual, throughout the world, to manage his or her fertility, regardless of the individual's income, marital status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or residence. We believe that respect and value for diversity in all aspects of our organization are essential to our well-being. We believe that reproductive self-determination must be voluntary and preserve the individual's right to privacy. We further believe that such self-determination will contribute to an enhancement of the quality of life and strong family relationships.

Based on these beliefs, and reflecting the diverse communities within which we operate, the mission of Planned Parenthood is to provide comprehensive reproductive and complementary health care services in settings which preserve and protect the essential privacy and rights of each individual, to advocate public policies which guarantee these rights and ensure access to such services, to provide educational programs which enhance understanding of individual and societal implications of human sexuality, and to promote research and the advancement of technology in reproductive health care and encourage understanding of their inherent bioethical, behavioral, and social implications. [source]

Planned Parenthood does so many great things, including promoting and providing access to reproductive health care and is one of my favorite places to give money to!

MAC AIDS Fund/VIVA GLAM
Homepage
Viva Glam

The MAC AIDS Fund's mission is to serve people of all ages, all races and all sexes affected by HIV and AIDS. To partner with the bold, the visionary and the brave who confront the epidemic in countries and communities where people are most neglected, off the radar and at highest risk. Responsive, agile and alert, MAF funds innovative programs that deal directly with the most marginalized, stigmatized and under-heard victims. MAF celebrates humanity, life, creativity and individuality. Making a different, one VIVA GLAM lipstick at a time. [source]

Apart from producing awesome cosmetics, MAC has an AIDS fund and donates the money spent on all of the Viva Glam lipsticks to it!

Angela & Roi
Homepage

Our company was founded on strong moral principles. We prioritize ethical and respectful treatment of our customers. Our products reflect our value system that is focused on customer satisfaction, not profit margins. However, we believe we can use our resources productively in a way to impact the greater community. Our company presents an opportunity for us to share our support for non-profit organizations specializing in prevalent health issues. We promise to donate a portion of each sale to contribute to chosen non-profit organizations. Our project vows to intertwine consumerism with philanthropy.

Different medical issues relate to specific colors. For example, Lung Cancer awareness links traditionally with the color white. When customers purchase a white handbag, five dollars will automatically be donated to Lung Cancer Alliance. Our company works together in total with eleven non-profit organizations. [source]

Um, get an awesome handbag and be able to contribute to your pick of organization?! Yes, please.

Spirit Hoods
Homepage

We bring the adventurous Spirit of the wild into everyday life while helping to protect endangered animals. We encourage creating new experiences, giving back and community interaction through self expression.

All Authentic Spirithoods ® are made in Los Angeles California, with the highest quality faux fur (fake fur). You can rest assured knowing that no animals are harmed during the creation of our products. In 2011 & 2012 we were honored to receive Peta Libby Award for Best Animal-friendly Clothing Company. [source]

Here's another company that donates a portion of sales to a great cause. Keep yourself warm and cosy during the winter and give some money to help protect endangered animals!

Kiva
Homepage

We are a non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. Leveraging the internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity around the world. [source]

Kiva reminds me of sites like Kickstarter and indiegogo. Donate a bit (or a whole bunch) of money to one specific cause that you can pick yourself!

American Cancer Society
Homepage

Together with our millions of supporters, the American Cancer Society (ACS) saves lives and creates a world with less cancer and more birthdays by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back.

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the ACS has 12 geographic Divisions, more than 900 local offices nationwide, and a presence in more than 5,200 communities. [source]

Most people are (unfortunately) somehow touched by cancer, so I couldn't not add in the American Cancer Society.

Wounded Warrior Project
Homepage

Mission: To honor and empower Wounded Warriors.
Vision: To foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history.
Purpose: To raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured service members aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members. [source]

I feel that this, like the ACS, speaks for itself. Wounded Warrior Project is an amazing cause!

USO
Homepage

The USO lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families. Millions of times each year at hundreds of locations around the world, the USO lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families. A nonprofit, congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities. The USO is not part of the U.S. government, but is recognized by the Department of Defense, Congress and President of the United States, who serves as Honorary Chairman of the USO. [source]

USO is another military themed organization. The USO does a lot to keep spirits up; at least out here in Japan!

The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services
Homepage

The mission of the Center for Domestic Violence Services is to assist victims of domestic violence and their children to escape the abuse and rebuild their lives. BHcare's The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services provides free, confidential services for victims of domestic violence and their children. Services include: 24 hour crisis/emergency shelter services, safety planning, support/education groups, domestic violence counseling/advocacy, legal system advocacy/court-based services, emergency transportation, information and referral, and community education. [source]

This was another local non-profit for me growing up and another personal cause that I think deserves a lot of attention and support.

Save The Children
Homepage

Save the Children gives children in the United States and around the world what every child deserves – a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm, especially when disaster strikes. We advocate and achieve lasting change for millions of children. We save children’s lives. [source]

Another pretty self explanatory organization!

Remember, giving back doesn't always mean money; it can mean volunteering too! How do you give back during the holiday season? What are your favorite non-profits and charities?



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